Border agents rescue father, son from canal

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working near the Morelos Dam rescued a father and son last week after they were swept away in a canal. Both were from Honduras.

According to information provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the incident happened at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, when agents observed a father and son enter the Salinity Canal near County 8½ Street and the Levee Road near Yuma.

Agents noticed that the pair was struggling and that the current was quickly taking them downstream, so they deployed a rescue disc, but the father was unable to grab it.

As a result agents instructed the father to grab on to a nearby bush and hand the child over to them. He complied and agents pulled the child to safety. Agents then helped the father to get out the canal shortly after.

Neither the father or son complained of any injuries but were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center as a precaution. The father was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress as a result of the incident and received treatment. He was later released from the hospital.

Both were processed for immigration violations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.